Certification Watch: First MySQL Exam Goes Beta

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The MySQL Core Certification exam started its beta period at VUE testing
centers on Nov. 21. This is the first exam for a new, two-tier
certification program covering the MySQL database.

MySQL Core Certification is intended for individuals who assist in maintaining data in company databases, perform data analysis, import and export data, and perform other administrative functions. It covers creating and using databases and tables, as well as inserting, modifying, deleting, and retrieving data from a MySQL database.

The associated exam contains approximately 70 questions and test takers have up to 90 minutes to complete it. The core exam costs $200. During the introductory period (the first six months after initial release), the price will be discounted by $50. The beta exam will probably have more questions (they usually do). It lasts 150 minutes.

MySQL Professional Certification (MySQL-Prof) is a more advanced title that signifies the ability to install a server from scratch and keep it running smoothly. The material covered includes using the new table types, more advanced SQL, and analyzing and optimizing queries. As with the Core certification, this title requires passing a single exam containing approximately 70 questions. The exam will cost $250. During the introductory period, the price will be discounted by $50. Before attempting the professional level, you must first earn the Core certification. The exam for this certification isn’t available yet.

MySQL certifications are version specific. When a version becomes outdated, the related certifications will be retired, with advance notice from MySQL AB, which created and will administer the program. MySQL AB is a company founded by the lead developers of the MySQL server. Read more on the MySQL Web site.

Cisco Launches New Security Certifications

Cisco Systems has announced four new security-focused certifications: Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP), Cisco Firewall Specialist, Cisco VPN Specialist, and Cisco IDS Specialist.

The professional level title, CCSP, certifies expertise in designing and implementing Cisco secure networks. That includes designing end to end network security solutions using the Cisco SAFE blueprint, using Cisco devices and technologies to implement a defense strategy, and managing network security.

To earn the CCSP title, candidates must first hold Cisco’s CCNA certification, then pass five additional exams. The additional exams include: Managing Cisco Network Security (MCNS), Cisco Secure PIX Firewall Advanced (CSPFA), Cisco Secure VPN (CSVPN), either Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection System (CSIDS) or Intrusion Detection System with Policy Manager (IDSPM), and Cisco SAFE implementation (CSI). As with other Cisco Career certifications, recertification is required every three years.

According to the Cisco Certification Web site, individuals who already hold the Security Specialist 1 certification can upgrade to the CCSP title by taking only one exam: Cisco SAFE Implementation (CSI 9E0-131). This shortcut will only remain available through September 2003.

The Specialist titles also require CCNA certification as a prerequisite. Each also requires two additional exams, one of which is Managing Cisco Network Security (MCNS).
For the Firewall Specialist title, the additional exam is Cisco Secure PIX Firewall Advanced (CSPFA). The second VPN Specialist exams is Cisco Secure VPN (CSVPN). For the IDS Specialist certification, the second exam is Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection System (CSIDS). As with other Cisco Specialist titles, these certifications only remain valid for two years. With the release of the new security specialist titles, the Security Specialist 1 certification will be phased out.

More information can be found on the Cisco Web site.

New Novell CNE Recertification Requirements

Novell has announced new continuing certification requirements (CCRs) for all Novell CNEs. Pre-NetWare 6 CNEs have until October 31st to upgrade their certification or lose the associated benefits. To upgrade, intraNetWare and NetWare 4 CNEs must pass exam #050-678 (NetWare 4 to NetWare 6 CNE Upgrade), and NetWare 5 CNEs must pass exam #050-676 (Upgrading to NetWare 6). The certification tracks for IntraNetWare and GroupWise 5 CNE will be retired on Jan. 31, 2003. Details on all Novell CCRs can be found on the Novell Web site.

SAS Certified Professional Program Releases New Exams

The SAS Certified Professional Program has released the SAS Base Programming and SAS Advanced Programming exams in beta form. The SAS Base Programming Exam is designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge of SAS programming essentials, while the SAS Advanced Programming Exam is designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge of advanced SAS programming and data management fundamentals, including efficient SAS programming techniques. Unlike earlier certifications, these exams will not be associated with a specific version of SAS.

See the SAS Web site for further details.

That’s all for this edition of Certification Watch. Please keep your
certification news and tips coming to news@gocertify.com.

Anne Martinez is the author of Cheap Web Tricks: Build and Promote a Successful Web Site Without Spending A Dime and Get Certified and Get Ahead. She also is the founder of GoCertify.com.